Method of using a pointer and a opt-out period to tell an actuator to actuate itself

A method by which an operator can use a pointer unambiguously tell an actuator to actuate itself, said method comprising the following steps:

• a. monitoring the target of the operator's pointer or equivalent operator controlled cursor to determine if it enters a specific geographical region associated with the actuator;
• b. when such intersection occurs, delivering “entering” audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to the operator to indicate that the intersection has occurred and that the cursor is in position to tell the actuator to actuate itself;
• c. monitoring the position of the operator's cursor for a prescribed grace period to determine whether the intersection continues and, if the intersection ends, delivering “leaving” audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to the operator to indicate that the intersection has ended, such feedback consisting of at least the discontinuation of any ongoing entering feedback;
• d. when the intersection is maintained during the entire grace period, delivering “cocking” audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to indicate to the operator the initiation of the opt-out period and therefore the imminence of actuation;
• e. monitoring the location of the operator's cursor for a prescribed “opt-out” time interval to determine whether the intersection continues, and delivering “opting-out” audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to the operator as soon as the intersection ends therefore indicating that the actuation is no longer imminent;
• f. when the intersection is maintained during both the grace period and the opt-out period, actuating the actuator and delivering any “firing” audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to the operator which is necessary or desirable to positively indicate to the operator that actuation has occurred.